PUMP APPARATUS

Pump apparatus comprising a base having a forward end region and a rearward end region with a longitudinal axis extending in a direction between the forward and rearward end region, a power unit and a reel assembly operatively mounted to the base, the reel assembly including a reel mounted for rotation about a rotation axis which extends laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis, a fluid conveying conduit operatively carried by the reel and adapted to be wound on, or payed out therefrom, at the forward end region of the base, the fluid conveying conduit being underwound onto the reel so that it is wound on and payed out adjacent the base, a guide device at the forward end region of the base for guiding the conduit onto or from the reel, and a vehicle which is at least partially submersible in fluid and which can be propelled over a surface on which it stands, the vehicle including a pump which is operatively connectable to the fluid conveying conduit.

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Description
TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to pump apparatus for removing water from a work site or a mine site.

The management of water at a work or a mine site, where excavation and drilling operations take place, is a significant issue. Generally any water at the work site is removed by the use of pumps. It is important however that the region of the work site is not unduly cluttered with equipment and the pumps do not interfere with the drilling devices. Often the location of the water is some distance from the nearest location that the pump can safely be placed, requiring the use of extended pump hose connections.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In a first aspect, embodiments are disclosed of pump apparatus comprising a base having a forward end and a rearward end with a longitudinal axis extending in a direction between the forward and rearward ends, a power unit and a reel assembly operatively mounted to the base, the reel assembly including a reel mounted for rotation about a rotation axis which extends laterally with respect of the longitudinal axis, a fluid conveying conduit operatively carried by the reel and adapted to be wound on or payed out therefrom at the forward end of the base, the fluid conveying conduit being underwound onto the reel so that it is wound on and payed out adjacent the base, a guide device at the forward end of the base for guiding the conduit onto or from the reel, and a vehicle which is at least partially submersible in fluid and which can be propelled over a surface on which it stands, the vehicle including a pump which is operatively connectable to the fluid conveying conduit.

In certain embodiments, when the vehicle is propelled out from the forward end region of the base, the fluid conveying conduit is payed out from the underwound reel along a line which is aligned with the longitudinal axis, the guide device and vehicle.

In certain embodiments, the vehicle includes an endless flexible track and associated wheels.

In certain embodiments, the apparatus includes a propulsion drive for propelling the vehicle.

In certain embodiments, the pump apparatus further includes a platform operatively connected to the base at the forward end upon which the vehicle can stand. In certain embodiments the platform is pivotally mounted to the base so that it can be raised and lowered.

In certain embodiments, the vehicle includes a housing having an interior space for receiving the pump therein. In certain embodiments the housing comprises a rigid frame having openings therein for providing fluid access to the interior space.

In certain embodiments, the guide device comprises a main body which is mounted for lateral movement with respect to the longitudinal axis of the base.

In certain embodiments, the pump apparatus includes a control station which is remote from the vehicle for controlling the propulsion and steering of the vehicle and the operation of the pump.

In certain embodiments the guide device comprises a main body, a plurality of rollers mounted to the main body and configured to provide for a guide path for the payout and retrieval of the flexible lines in a payout direction, a track and a carriage, the track being mounted to a structure and the main body being mounted to the carriage, the carriage being adapted to move along the track, the arrangement being such that the movement is in a lateral direction with respect to the payout direction, a drive assembly for causing movement of the carriage along the track, the drive assembly comprising a drive and transmission, the transmission comprising a flexible transmission element, the carriage being operatively connected thereto.

In certain embodiments, the track comprises an elongated rod operatively mounted to the base and extending laterally with respect to the base longitudinal axis and the carriage comprises a sleeve member mounted for sliding movement along the rod, the sleeve member being operatively connected to the main body of the guide device.

In certain embodiments, the transmission comprises a housing for the flexible transmission element the housing being operatively connected to the track, the flexible transmission element comprising an endless element which passes around spaced apart wheels at least one of which comprises a drive wheel.

In certain embodiments, the main body comprises spaced apart side wall members connected together to form a rigid structure, the rollers being disposed in a space between the side members, the space and rollers providing for the guide path.

Other aspects, features, and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are a part of this disclosure and which illustrate, by way of example, principles of inventions disclosed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying drawings facilitate an understanding of the various embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a schematic isometric view of a pump apparatus according to one embodiment view from one side;

FIG. 2 is a schematic isometric view of the pump apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 viewed from the other side opposite to the one side;

FIG. 3 is a first isometric view of a guide device according to one embodiment which is suitable for use with the pump apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a second isometric view of the guide device illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a third isometric view of the guide device illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4; and

FIGS. 6 and 7 are detailed views of parts of the device illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 those parts being circled in FIG. 5.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings, there is illustrated a pump apparatus generally indicated at item 110.

The pump apparatus 110 comprises a base or chassis 120 which comprises two longitudinally extending, generally parallel spaced apart beams 121, 122 which are interconnected by a series of cross-members by a base plate, so as to form a rigid structure. The base or chassis 120 can form a skid which can be pulled over the ground on which it stands. In one arrangement the base 120 may be propelled by two endless belts or tracks that pass over a number of wheels, or other traction drive systems to facilitate movement over the ground. The base or chassis 120 is generally elongate in the direction of the longitudinal axis Y-Y and has a forward end portion 123 and a rearward end portion 124 (in terms of its in-use orientation, as will shortly be explained). The base 120 can also be fitted with push bars and alloy wear plates in various ground-engaging locations to facilitate movement over hard rock material without damage being caused.

The pump apparatus 110 further comprises a power unit 130 which includes a diesel motor which is adapted to drive a hydraulic pump (not shown). The diesel motor and hydraulic pump (not shown) are mounted to the base or chassis 120 in a region towards the rearward end portion 124 thereof. Reservoirs are arranged adjacent the diesel motor and hydraulic pump for providing storage for fuel for the diesel motor and hydraulic fluid storage for the hydraulic pump and any associated hydraulic devices, as will be hereinafter described. The diesel motor is arranged to drive the hydraulic pump which in turn draws hydraulic fluid from the reservoir which in turn provides hydraulic pressure for the operation of the associated hydraulic devices. A canopy 135 provides a cover for the motor and pump.

The apparatus 110 further comprises a reel assembly 150 which is operatively mounted to the base or chassis 120 for rotation about a rotation axis X-X which is at right angles to the longitudinal axis Y-Y (FIG. 1). The reel assembly 150 comprises a reel 151 comprising sides 152, 153 and a drum section 158. The reel 151 further includes bearings 154, 155 operatively mounted to frame 159. The sides 152 and 153 comprise a plurality of spoke-like members which extend from the bearings 154, 155 which terminate at a peripheral rim. A drive is adapted to rotate the reel 151. The drive includes a hydraulic motor and a transmission. A discharge pipe 168 is also provided for reasons which will become apparent.

The reel 151 is adapted to carry one or more flexible lines 138 at least one of which is in the form of a conduit for the conveyance of water or slurry therethrough. There may also be a flexible line comprising one or more service lines for the transfer of hydraulic fluid for example for operating various associated hydraulic devices. The service lines may be disposed within a further conduit. The conduits may be formed as a unitary body with a common side wall providing a cross-sectional configuration in the form of a figure of 8. The conduits may also contain electrical cabling, for example to provide power for operating a pump or a propulsion drive, as will be described below.

The apparatus further includes a vehicle 140 which is at least partially submersible in fluid such as water or slurry. The vehicle 140 comprises a vehicle body 141 having a pump 145 operatively mounted thereto the pump 145 in use being operatively connected to the conduits in the flexible lines 138 for pumping the fluid through the conduit, as well as receiving the power for its operation. Fluid pumped from the pump 145 when in use passes through the conduit and out via the discharge pipe 168.

The pump apparatus further includes a propulsive drive for propelling the vehicle 140 over the ground or surface on which it is positioned. In one embodiment, the propulsive drive 143 is located on the vehicle and comprises an endless drive track 144 and associated drive wheel 146 for driving the track 144. Power for the drive 143 is drawn from the service lines referred to above.

The vehicle 140 further includes a housing 147 having an interior space 148 therein for receiving the pump 145. The housing 147 is in the form of a rigid frame structure with a number of openings 149 therein through which fluid can pass.

The pump apparatus includes a platform 126 upon which the vehicle 140 stands for deployment therefrom. The platform 126 is pivotally mounted to the forward end portion 124 of the base so that it can be raised and lowered as required.

The apparatus further includes a guide device 170 through which the flexible lines 138 pass as they are wound on or payed out from the reel 151. The guide device 170 is positioned in the region of the forward end portion 123 of the base 120. In the embodiment shown the flexible lines 138 are underwound on the reel 151 so that when the flexible lines 138 are being payed out the vehicle 140, guide device 170 and flexible lines 138 are generally horizontal or in line and aligned with the longitudinal axis Y-Y of the base 120. The guide device 170 comprises opposed side wall members 171, 172 which are spaced apart and which are connected together to form a rigid frame structure 173 in the form of a channel or a cradle. The frame structure has open ends 175, 176 through which the flexible lines 138 can pass. The guide device 170 further includes a series of rollers 177, 178 and 179 which provide a travel path for the flexible lines 138 between the rollers 177, 178 and 179.

The guide device 170 comprises a carriage 180 to which the frame 173 is operatively secured. The carriage 180 is a sleeve 182 which, in the form shown, is a tubular member 183 which is generally circular when viewed in cross section. The guide device 170 further includes a track 185 which is adapted to receive the carriage 180 so that the carriage 180 is movable therealong. As shown the track 185 is in the form of an elongated rod 186 which in the form shown is generally circular in cross-section, the sleeve 182 being slidably receivable thereon. As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the track 185 is mounted on the base 120 and extends laterally and preferably at right angles to the longitudinal axis Y-Y of the base.

The guide device 170 further includes a drive assembly 190 for moving the carriage 180 along the track 185. The drive assembly 190 comprises a flexible transmission element 192 to which the carriage 180 is operatively connected. The transmission element 192 is in the form of an endless chain or belt 193 which extends around spaced apart wheels 194 and 195 which in the form illustrated are sprockets. The wheels 194 are carried by mounts 200 and 201 which are operatively connected to the track 185. A guard 202 at least partially surrounds the transmission element 192.

The drive assembly 190 further includes a drive 205 which in the form shown comprises a motor 207 operatively connected to one of the wheels 194. The motor 207 may for example be in the form of a hydraulic motor.

One of the advantages of the arrangement shown in the preferred embodiment is that the length of hose on the reel can be significantly longer than in previously known arrangements. In such prior art equipment, an extended hose deployed from the hose reel can become entangled when it is drawn back onto the reel. The use of a guide device allows the hose to be distributed evenly laterally across the width of the hose reel both while it is being deployed and retracted. This means that a larger width hose reel can be used, which in turn means that the overall length of the hose can be significantly longer than in known arrangements. In combination with the feature of the hose reel being underwound, the vehicle and pump can move easily in a line both away from, and towards, the pump apparatus without causing entanglement of the hose, or uneven deployment of the hose off and back onto the reel. This leads to easier overall operation of the pump apparatus when deployed at a mine site or work site.

In other embodiments the guide device may comprise a different frame structure to provide a travel path for the flexible conduit line, and may also comprise a different carriage and track configuration. The drive assembly for moving the carriage along the track may also be configured differently to what has been described above.

In still further embodiments, the guide device can be in a static form rather than the slidably moveable form with a drive assembly as described above. Such a fixed guide device may be shaped in a manner so as to guide the hose centrally onto and off the reel so that it is unentangled.

In the foregoing description of preferred embodiments, specific terminology has been resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as “front” and “rear”, “inner” and “outer”, “above”, “below”, “upper” and “lower” and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or admission or any form of suggestion that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

In this specification, the word “comprising” is to be understood in its “open” sense, that is, in the sense of “including”, and thus not limited to its “closed” sense, that is the sense of “consisting only of”. A corresponding meaning is to be attributed to the corresponding words “comprise”, “comprised” and “comprises” where they appear.

In addition, the foregoing describes only some embodiments of the invention(s), and alterations, modifications, additions and/or changes can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosed embodiments, the embodiments being illustrative and not restrictive.

Furthermore, invention(s) have described in connection with what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the invention(s). Also, the various embodiments described above may be implemented in conjunction with other embodiments, e.g., aspects of one embodiment may be combined with aspects of another embodiment to realize yet other embodiments. Further, each independent feature or component of any given assembly may constitute an additional embodiment.

TABLE OF PARTS

  • Pump apparatus 110
  • Base 120
  • Beams 121/122
  • Cross members 125
  • Forward end 123
  • Rearward end 124
  • Power unit 130
  • Platform 126
  • Canopy 135
  • Reel assembly 150
  • Rotation axis x-x
  • Longitudinal axis y-y
  • Reel 151
  • Sides 152/153
  • Flexible lines 138
  • Drum section 158
  • Frame 159
  • Bearings 154/155
  • Drive 160
  • Motor 162
  • Sprocket and chain mechanism 164
  • Chain 165
  • Sprocket 166
  • Discharge pipe 168
  • Guide device 170
  • Side wall members 171/172
  • Frame 173
  • Open ends 175/176/177
  • Rollers 178/179
  • Carriage 180
  • Sleeve 182
  • Tubular member 183
  • Track 185
  • Rod 186
  • Drive assembly 190
  • Transmission element 192
  • Belt/chain 193
  • Wheels 194/195
  • Sprockets 196/197
  • Mounts 200/201
  • Guard 202
  • Drive 205
  • Motor 207
  • Vehicle 140
  • Vehicle body 141
  • Propulsive drive 143
  • Endless track 144
  • Drive wheel 146
  • Housing 147
  • Interior space 148
  • Openings 149
  • Pump 145

Claims

1. A pump apparatus comprising a base having a forward end region and a rearward end region with a longitudinal axis extending in a direction between the forward and rearward end region, a power unit and a reel assembly operatively mounted to the base, the reel assembly including a reel mounted for rotation about a rotation axis which extends laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis, a fluid conveying conduit operatively carried by the reel and adapted to be wound on, or payed out therefrom, at the forward end region of the base, the fluid conveying conduit being underwound onto the reel so that it is wound on and payed out adjacent the base, a guide device at the forward end region of the base for guiding the fluid conveying conduit onto or from the reel, and a vehicle which is at least partially submersible in fluid and which can be propelled over a surface on which it stands, the vehicle including a pump which is operatively connectable to the fluid conveying conduit.

2. The pump apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the vehicle is propelled out from the forward end region of the base, the fluid conveying conduit is payed out from the underwound reel along a line which is aligned with the longitudinal axis, the guide device and the vehicle.

3. The pump apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle includes an endless flexible track and associated wheels.

4. The pump apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus includes a propulsion drive for propelling the vehicle.

5. The pump apparatus according claim 1, further including a platform operatively connected to the base at the forward end upon which the vehicle can stand.

6. The pump apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the platform is pivotally mounted to the base so that it can be raised and lowered.

7. The pump apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle includes a housing having an interior space for receiving the pump therein.

8. The pump apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the housing comprises a rigid frame having openings therein for providing fluid access to the interior space.

9. The pump apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the guide device comprises a main body which is mounted for lateral movement with respect to the longitudinal axis of the base.

10. The pump apparatus according claim 1, including a control station which is remote from the vehicle for controlling the propulsion and steering of the vehicle and the operation of the pump.

11. The pump apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the guide device comprises:

a main body;
a plurality of rollers mounted to the main body and configured to provide for a guide path for the payout and retrieval of a one or more flexible line in a payout direction, the one or more flexible line at least comprising the fluid conveying conduit;
a track and a carriage, the track being mounted to a structure and the main body being mounted to the carriage, the carriage being adapted to move along the track, the arrangement being such that the movement is in a lateral direction with respect to the payout direction; and
a drive assembly for causing movement of the carriage along the track, the drive assembly comprising a drive and a transmission, the transmission comprising a flexible transmission element, the carriage being operatively connected thereto.

12. The pump apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the track comprises an elongated rod operatively mounted to the base and extending laterally with respect to a base longitudinal axis, and the carriage comprises a sleeve member mounted for sliding movement along the elongated rod, the sleeve member being operatively connected to the main body of the guide device.

13. The pump apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the transmission comprises a housing for the flexible transmission element, the housing being operatively connected to the track, the flexible transmission element comprising an endless element which passes around spaced apart wheels at least one of which comprises a drive wheel.

14. The pump apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the main body comprises spaced apart side wall members connected together to form a rigid structure, the plurality of the rollers being disposed in a space between the side members, the space and the plurality of the rollers providing for the guide path.

15. A pump apparatus comprising a base having a forward end region and a rearward end region with a longitudinal axis extending in a direction between the forward and rearward end region, a power unit and a reel assembly operatively mounted to the base, the reel assembly including a reel mounted for rotation about a rotation axis which extends laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis, a fluid conveying conduit operatively carried by the reel and adapted to be wound on, or payed out therefrom, at the forward end region of the base, the fluid conveying conduit being underwound onto the reel so that it is wound on and payed out adjacent the base, a guide device at the forward end region of the base for guiding the conduit onto or from the reel, and a vehicle which is at least partially submersible in fluid and which can be propelled over a surface on which it stands, the vehicle including a pump which is operatively connectable to the fluid conveying conduit;

wherein when the vehicle is propelled out from the forward end region of the base, the fluid conveying conduit is payed out from the underwound reel along a line which is aligned with the longitudinal axis, the guide device and vehicle;
wherein the vehicle includes an endless flexible track and associated wheels;
wherein the apparatus includes a propulsion drive for propelling the vehicle;
further including a platform operatively connected to the base at the forward end upon which the vehicle can stand;
wherein the platform is pivotally mounted to the base so that it can be raised and lowered;
wherein the vehicle includes a housing having an interior space for receiving the pump therein;
wherein the housing comprises a rigid frame lowering openings therein for providing fluid access to the interior space;
wherein the guide device comprises a main body which is mounted for lateral movement with respect to the longitudinal axis of the base;
including a control station which is remote from the vehicle for controlling the propulsion and steering of the vehicle and the operation of the pump;
wherein the guide device comprises: a main body; a plurality of rollers mounted to the main body and configured to provide for a guide path for the payout and retrieval of the flexible lines in a payout direction; a track and a carriage, the track being mounted to a structure and the main body being mounted to the carriage, the carriage being adapted to move along the track, the arrangement being such that the movement is in a lateral direction with respect to the payout direction; and a drive assembly for causing movement of the carriage along the track, the drive assembly comprising a drive and a transmission, the transmission comprising a flexible transmission element, the carriage being operatively connected thereto;
wherein the track comprises an elongated rod operatively mounted to the base and extending laterally with respect to a base longitudinal axis, and the carriage comprises a sleeve member mounted for sliding movement along the elongated rod, the sleeve member being operatively connected to the main body of the guide device;
wherein the transmission comprises a housing for the flexible transmission element the housing being operatively connected to the track, the flexible transmission element comprising an endless element which passes around spaced apart wheels at least one of which comprises a drive wheel; and
wherein the main body comprises spaced apart side wall members connected together to form a rigid structure, the plurality of the rollers being disposed in a space between the side members, the space and the plurality of the rollers providing for the guide path.

16. A pump apparatus comprising:

a base;
a reel assembly operatively mounted to the base and comprising: a reel mounted for rotation about a rotation axis and configured to carry a fluid conveying conduit adapted to be wound on, or payed out therefrom,
a guide device at the base for guiding the conduit onto or from the reel; and
a vehicle which is at least partially submersible in fluid and which can be propelled over a surface,
wherein the vehicle comprises a pump which is operatively connectable to the fluid conveying conduit.

17. The pump apparatus according to claim 16, further including a platform operatively connected to the base at the forward end upon which the vehicle can stand.

18. The pump apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the platform is pivotally mounted to the base so that it can be raised and lowered.

19. The pump apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising a guide device at a forward end region of the base for guiding the conduit onto or from the reel.

20. The pump apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the guide device comprises:

a main body;
a plurality of rollers mounted to the main body and configured to provide for a guide path for the payout and retrieval of the fluid conveying conduit in a payout direction;
a track and a carriage, the track being mounted to a structure and the main body being mounted to the carriage, the carriage being adapted to move along the track, the arrangement being such that the movement is in a lateral direction with respect to the payout direction; and
a drive assembly for causing movement of the carriage along the track, the drive assembly comprising a drive and a transmission, the transmission comprising a flexible transmission element, the carriage being operatively connected thereto.
Patent History
Publication number: 20170355551
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 21, 2015
Publication Date: Dec 14, 2017
Applicant: Weir Minerals Australia Ltd. (Weir Minerals) (Sydney)
Inventors: Robert Turner (Marcoola), Peter Smit (Cooroibah)
Application Number: 15/538,857
Classifications
International Classification: B65H 75/42 (20060101); F04D 13/04 (20060101); F04B 17/06 (20060101); B65H 75/44 (20060101); B65H 57/26 (20060101); F04B 9/10 (20060101); F04B 23/00 (20060101);